Humanities Career Outlook 2010-2011
Humanities Programs Available at Bemidji State University:
Major: Humanities (B.A.)
Department Website: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/humanities/program/
Major Highlights:
The family of disciplines known as the humanities explores the diversity of human experience through the study of
cultural forms and expressions in particular social or historical contexts. These forms are diverse in themselves, ranging
from literary works to historical documents, philosophical constructs to visual artifacts, religious practices to musical and
dramatic performances. These often require the special approaches of their particular discipline. At the same time, the
humanities disciplines are complementary and collaborative, sharing common goals, methods, and understandings. The
Humanities Program at Bemidji State is dedicated to this collaboration. Within a flexible structure, it brings together
courses from all the allied disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary courses of its own. Its objectives are threefold: 1) to
provide multiple frames of reference for analysis and interpretation; 2) to foster increased awareness of the unique
character of each of the humanities disciplines, together with an understanding of interrelationships among visual art,
music, language, literature, and history; 3) to promote, through the cultivation of curiosity and multicultural sensibilities,
the breadth of learning necessary for successful careers in government, business, or the professions.
Note: The Humanities Program is designed as a “stand-beside” major, and students are encouraged to pursue a second
major or set of minors, especially those outside the humanities disciplines. Such range improves a student’s professional
preparedness and broadens post-baccalaureate options.
Employment Areas:
Humanities graduates can go into a variety of different career paths, such as human services, teaching, and business.
Most humanities majors specialize by having a second major, and often choose to continue their education beyond the
baccalaureate level.
Placement Information for Humanities Graduates:
Of the Bemidji State University 2007-2008 humanities graduates, 50% chose to continue their education. This does not
include students who were employed, not seeking employment, unavailable, or had unknown status.
A Partial List of Employers Who Have Hired BSU Humanities Graduates:
Bath & Body Works
Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center
Store Manager
Child Care Worker
St. Louis Park, MN
Bemidji, MN
Colleges and Universities Where Humanities Graduates Have Gone to Continue Their
Education:
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN
University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK
Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
MN State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN
Note 1: Some of the above job/career titles require advanced degrees or specialized training.
Note 2: Degrees alone do not get students jobs. Internships, summer jobs, volunteer work, part-time jobs, work-study
positions, and active participation in student organizations on campus are all ways to become more competitive in a
tight job market.
Note 3: Personal Competencies: it is also recommended that individuals be competent in a variety of communication
methods, and computer skills are a must.
Bibliography:
Annual Graduate Follow-Up Study 1997-2010. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2011)
Bemidji State University Undergraduate Catalog 2011-2012. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2011)
For more information, please contact the Career Services Office in 102 Sanford Hall or call us at
218-755-2038 or toll free at 800-657-3726.